1.6 Why mixed methods?
The case study approach in conducting the research in Kenya
required specific techniques of data collection. We thought that the study
would benefit from a mixed method in order to gather as much information as
possible from several angles, but equally to compare the results of the
investigations through the answers obtained with different techniques. Hence,
questionnaires, interviews, documentation were appropriately used at this
effect. Many scholars such as Creswell (2003) have valued this scientific
approach especially in social sciences as it enables the researcher to perform
a triangulation with the data collected.
The integration of quantitative and qualitative methods for
this study therefore provides us with so many advantages. It enables us to
understand clearly the motivations behind entrepreneurs' investments in private
schools in Kibera which is a captivating point in appraising the mushrooming of
private schools in Africa. Further it gives a picture of what the investment
climate in most African countries actually look like. Finally with these mixed
methods, we are able to evaluate the satisfaction level of the beneficiary
people involved in the educational business.
Above all, this multi- strategy approach provides us with
general information concerning the contribution of private schools
entrepreneurs in educational provision in Africa. Using this approach, the
overall procedure warrants and conveys to us a sense of rigour of the research
itself and this is quite useful in clarifying the nature of our intentions or
accomplishments. (Bryman 2006:98)
1.7 The dissertation
The answers to the research questioned mentioned above have
provided us with an avenue for understanding the strong motivation behind
investment in primary schools in East Africa and the related prevailing
investment climate. These answers have to an extent covered the focus and aim
of this study which set out to assess the contribution of private schools
entrepreneurs in educational provision on the continent. Several points of
views of advocators and non advocators of the private school system were taken
into account in the overall process of analysing the information obtained
through data collection. Hence the research plan was divided into five major
chapters and their content though structurally independent was interrelated and
all linked to the main research question.
The first chapter aimed at bringing the general information to
our topic, thus setting the scene for a thorough understanding of the thematic
approach to the research. It did give a rationale for the study as well as it
explained the reasons for focussing on the private sector and entrepreneurship
in Kenya (Kibera).
Chapter two reviews past and ongoing research on private
schools in Africa with foci on private schools in poor area. The priority here
is given to current trends on the growth of private schools in Africa and the
impact on the educational process in the global campaign against illiteracy.
Arguments for and against this form of provision are reviewed and specific
points taken into account in the analysis. Further the part equally discusses
entrepreneurship in an African context with suggested measures advocated for an
effective developmental move on the continent.
In chapter three, the methodology of the research is discussed
and explanations are given to justify the use of specific techniques. A general
overview of the case study is revisited and attempts of figuring out the
corresponding paths to explore the research question and sub questions through
quantitative and qualitative methods are equally observed. This chapter states
the procedures adopted in gathering the data in Kenya and briefly enumerates
other sources of information related to the topic and establish basis for
analysing these data.
Chapter four on its own gives a presentation and analysis of
the main findings obtained through our research instruments. It addresses the
question `How and why do private school entrepreneurs contribute to
education for all in Kenya?' Particular attention is paid to all the
elements of response given by the respondents and these are critically analysed
in such a way that each sub question is provided with an accurate answer. The
related documentation and pupils' test scores are equally well exploited and
their substance combined with information from other sources. All these are
summarized at the end of the chapter.
Finally, chapter five is concerned with a general conclusion,
suggestions and recommendations for further research. This chapter in a
nutshell relates our study findings to the literature review and provides more
explanations on the research outcomes. In the light of the results, some
suggestions are mentioned and recommendations channelled for future
investigations in the field. This chapter is somehow the «denouement»
of the research.
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